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How to Choose an Espresso Coffee Machine Home A top-quality espresso machine can take your home coffee-making to the next level. What are the best ways to choose the right machine? There's a lot to consider—from measuring and grinding your own beans to tamping and pressing properly, to pulling the right shot of espresso. Fortunately, a lot of the tasks can be automated by semi-automatic equipment and, in certain cases, fully automatic models. Manual If you want to be able to make the highest quality espresso you can at home, you'll need to invest in some high-quality equipment. The most essential component of the system is an espresso maker with a good design that can handle pressure. This is where some manufactures have really stripped it down, producing machines that don't use boilers but instead rely on hand-pressure to produce some pretty decent shots. We've tested a number of these and found the Lelit Bambino Plus to be one of the top at what it does. You're not getting a cheap machine, but you are receiving a machine that will last for a long time and 35 years of Lelit support and service. It's not the most lightweight however that's to be expected given its build. It's got a retro-futuristic style that is sure to spark conversations. Breville Smart Grinder EK835 is a worthy candidate. It's not cheap but it's a great performer at what it does, and you'll have the ability to grind your own beans. It's a bit larger than other grinders we examined, but that's because it's got the largest burr set and it can handle more than the average burr set can. It's easier to use than the other models we reviewed and comes with a dependable warranty. There are four kinds of espresso machines: Manual/Lever, Semi-Automatic, Volumetric (sometimes called Automatic) and Super-Automatic. Manual levers are more traditional design and are simpler to use, however they require more skill and understanding to dial in and pull shots. Semi-automatics let you do the grinding and tamping yourself but they have an electric pump that can provide constant flow and pressure. You can alter the amount of espresso you want in your coffee by stopping the brewing. The majority of semi-automatics have steam wands to make froth. Finally, there are super-automatics which take care of all the work for you, with built-in grinders, tampers and Brew cycles, and much more. Semi-Automatic The main difference between semi-automatic espresso machines (semi-automatic) and fully automatic machines is how much control you would like over the brewing process. Manual espresso machines require baristas to exert pressure and pull the shot which can be tiring and requires a lot of practice. Fully automated machines can brew professional-quality espresso at the touch of a button. These machines are costly to buy or rent but they provide convenience. A semi-automatic machine is the ideal option for those who want to control the coffee they make but don't have the time or skill level to be a barista. This type of machine eliminates the guesswork of making shots. It grinds the beans into a hockey-puck shape, compresses them, and then forces hot water through the puck at the perfect amount of pressure. This espresso maker also allows you to steam milk and create latte art. These types of espresso machines can be costly and need a higher level of maintenance than fully automated machines. Semi-automatic espresso machines are an excellent alternative for those who do not have the budget to purchase or rent a fully automated espresso machine. Fully automated espresso machines ensure an even cup every time, with minimal effort. They can handle all the steps involved in making espresso from grinding the beans to brewing a shot, and steaming milk, and do it all by pressing a button. This is a popular choice for cafes that need to serve a lot of customers in a short period and need simplicity of use. espresso makers are expensive and not suitable for all cafes. If you're interested in an espresso machine that is fully automated for your business, consider purchasing or renting two, one to cover peak times and the other to manage the slower times. Pods The pod coffee machines allow you to make espresso-based drinks with just the press of the button. The capsules are pre-ground coffee and powdered milk that is used to make the beverage. The top espresso pod machines are quick, neat, and offer very consistent results—shot after shot will be crowned with a creamy layer of crema that is the signature of a top-quality espresso. While pod machines won't give you the same level of control as bean-to-cup machines however they are a great option for those who wish to skip grinding and tapping their own beans, and who prioritize convenience over quality. Although they don't produce the same flavor as freshly ground beans made from an excellent coffee grinder, the advancements in pod technology and an expanding selection of coffee varieties make these machines better than ever before. The type of coffee pods used by these machines varies between manufacturers, but they generally have the same basic shape and design. They are typically small, covered in paper, they look like tea bags. They can be inserted into a portafilter for brewing. Some are specifically designed to work with drip coffee makers, and others are specifically designed for espresso machines. The former are called soft pods, and the latter, Easy Serving Espresso (E.S.E) pods. If you are shopping for a pod-based espresso machine it is important to check the recommended list of compatible pods. Many of these machines come with several options of pods, which means you can test out various flavors and brands before you decide on your favorite. Some brands also sell refillable pods for those who like to reuse their old ones. Whatever type of coffee machine you select it is important to think about cleaning and maintenance requirements. While most bean-to-cup machines require manual cleaning, rinsing the brewing and grinder mechanisms and regularly descaling some pod-based espresso machines are equipped with self-cleaning functions that reduce the hassle. Water The espresso machine is a powerful instrument that makes use of high pressure to push water through finely packed, tightly ground coffee. The result is a concentrated shot espresso that is ideal to make lattes, cappuccinos and macchiatos. The Europeans, specifically the Italians discovered this in the late 1800s and used it to open an entire new world of cafe drinks. There are a variety of methods to make espresso, however the basic principle is the same boil the water until it is just below boiling, then push it through the tightly packed grounds of the portafilter. The water is then poured into the container below the grouphead. This method produces a dense high-quality, highly flavorful cup of espresso within 2 minutes. All espresso machines function like this, however the details of each differ slightly. Certain machines utilize piston-style designs that requires the user to press a lever in order to create the required pressure (8 to 10 bars; 116 to 150 psi). Other machines use an electric pump to create the required pressure. And still others, especially the home-based machines that aren't expensive rely on heated water and high temperatures to create the same effect. The quality of the ingredients is crucial, no matter how well your espresso machine works. Start with a high-quality dark-roasted espresso bean. Explore different grinds and tamping methods to find the best recipe for home espresso machines. Choose the right water for your espresso maker. Ideally you should use tap water that has a moderate level of minerality. The minerals in the water will help extract a smooth, balanced cup of coffee, while also preventing scale buildup. You can find out about your local water supply's mineral content by referring to La Marzocco's free coffee water guidelines. As you become more comfortable with using your espresso machine at home, it's recommended to purchase additional accessories, like a portafilter and a steel tamper. These accessories will help improve your coffee making techniques and will give you a sense of pride in the coffee you're now able to make at home.